( it seems like the both of them have their own dirty thoughts in how they should handle this — how they should handle the other and that alone has nate give pause. not because of what steve could very well do, according to duplicity's laws, but. because the both of them are hurting in their own ways and simply trying to look for any way to stop the metaphorical bleeding from this wound that's spread across both of them now.

despite steve's own thoughts, nate keeps his hand there atop the other man's and he lets his gaze drop again. he's lost so many people he's cared about back home prior to his second time waking up and then to lose wade not so long after... with a father he barely speaks to here and feeling guilt for the things he had [almost] done to someone who had hurt that man... he doesn't know where he belongs right now and it doesn't help that he still hasn't figured that out back home just yet. that he feels like, regardless of who comes into his life, he's meant to tackle life and how short it is for him, alone. )

You're more than just a contract to me, Steve.

( he offers the words, gentle and soft and he lets his fingers rub over the back of steve's hand. )

You've always been more than that. ( perhaps against his better judgment, he leans in and presses his forehead to steve's, letting his eyes fall shut as he does. ) I'll find you when you're not sitting on the floor of the apartment with one too many drinks in you. But in the meantime, you don't be alone right now, ok?

( reach out to someone, steve. do what nate can't right now: be with someone to ease the pain. )